<p>My Columbia University essay is 602 words and they ask for “approximately 500.” I don’t think I can cut it down to more than about 590. Am I hurting my chances?</p>
<p>do a search on the columbia adcoms character, because i distinctly remember reading them being really strict/harsh about this applicant sending in extra writing samples when they’ve deliberately advised against it. </p>
<p>they interpreted it as she had trouble following rules. </p>
<p>so yeah. an LAC would be okay, but columbia- i’d try to cut down.</p>